Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement with Solo Male Vocal and Vocal Group [SATB with Optional Bass Voice]

Description: Swing - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

This Skip Martin arrangement was recorded in Los Angeles in 1946 by Paul Weston and his orchestra featuring Johnny Mercer with the Pied Pipers. The arrangement is full of suprising harmonies (both for the ensemble and vocal group), interesting rhythmic shifts, and a raucous shout section. All of this is packed into a two and a half minute performance. The arrangement begins in the key of F with the solo vocalist stating the verse. The vocal group enters for the chorus, later joined by the soloist. This back and forth continues through a few key changes and along the way the ensemble has a moment to shine during an eight bar shout. A quiet section features your keyboard player on celeste imitating a music box accompanied by the vocal group. This celeste part was improvised by the original keyboard player, but it has been transcribed for the publication (chord changes are included in the event that your keyboardist wishes to improvise). For the majority of the arrangement the vocal group consists of soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone; however, a bass voice enters for only four bars. This voice part is optional as the notes are additionally played by the baritone saxophonist. This would be a great vocal group feature for your holiday program!

This publication was prepared using Skip Martin's original pencil score and the set of parts from the 1946 recording session (with the exception of the vocal group parts). The SATB vocal parts were transcribed from the recording by Daniel Henderson of BYU Hawaii, who we thank for his assistance in the publication of this arrangement. 

 

Full Score
Solo Male Vocal
Vocal Group [SATB with Optional Bass Voice]
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Guitar
Piano/Celeste
Acoustic Bass
Drum Set (with Sleigh Bells)

Vocal Key: F Modulating to Db, Eb and back to F
Trumpet 1: D6
Trombone 1: Bb4